There are no definitive answers to the question do homes sell better with a garage. There was one study years ago where new homeowners were asked what they thought was the most important thing to them, and most of them said centralized air. However, more real estate agents are finding that not only are existing homeowners looking for garages, but they’re setting criteria for the types of garages that they want.
The first criteria is existing homeowners want at least two car garages, if not more. These days, almost every family has at least two cars, and couples don’t want to keep debating whose car supposed to be in the garage and whose car supposed to be sitting outside. Especially in areas of the country that have inclement weather during certain parts of the year, being able to walk to one’s car without getting all wet or cold is definitely a bonus.
The second criteria is not just having two car garages, but having them be extra large. You don’t find as many people who are looking to have to buy a shed if they don’t need to. Having a two-car garage that is a little wider than the norm allows for things such as riding mowers, snow blowers, motorcycles, as well as a lot of other things to be stored inside. This removes some of the worries of having things stolen since it is usually harder to get into a garage.
The third criteria that they’re looking for is for the garage to look like it can be functional. Homebuyers are hoping to find garages without big oil stains on the ground. They’re also looking for shelving or cabinets to store things in. Having good lighting so that, if necessary, projects can be done in the garage is also important.
The fourth criteria is for garages to have automatic openers. Nobody wants to have to get out of their car to open their garages anymore. There’s really no reason not to have garage openers these days because they’re rather inexpensive and easy to install.
The fifth criteria is a byproduct of the fourth, that being the one garage doors that are too heavy to lift. If the power goes out, then people actually have to lift the garage doors, but the old heavy wooden garage doors are on the outs, and more people are hoping that present homeowners have lighter aluminum garage doors that protect against the elements as well as the old wooden ones did. Not only that, but the aluminum garage doors seem to be more resilient over time, and no one has to worry about painting them every couple years to keep them looking fresh.
For people looking to buy homes these days, the garage isn’t just a throwaway accessory anymore. It’s in the best interest of anyone looking to sell their home to try to make their garage a focal point for those buyers.
Helpful Links:
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Mitch Mitchell is a consultant who writes and participates in many different fields, including real estate finance issues. 
I, too, use a garage like a shed. Even if it’s not for a car, it can always be used as storage space.
.-= Kai Lo@humidifiers´s last blog ..Honeywell Warm Mist Humidifier =-.
I guess urban homebuyers’ wishlists would be different. In the city it’s nice just to get a parking space – garage spaces are much less common. With parking at a premium we’ve luckily got the subway and cars you can rent by the hour. Access to the “T” – our public transportation system – tops most buyers’ lists.
.-= Liz@Cambridge Homes´s last blog ..What Do Condo Fees Cover? =-.
I agree with Kai Lo. I’m wanting a home with a garage. Yeah, even I don’t have car but for storage purposes. I’ve learned a lot from this post. I never think there are lots of factors and criteria to consider upon buying a better home with garage. Thanks for sharing this.
carol burnett
I can only speak for myself, but I know this: the last time I was home shopping, I told my Realtor that I was only willing to look at homes with a garage.
.-= James@photography´s last blog ..Time on my Hands =-.
I myself would prefer to buy a house with a garage. For me a home looks more desirable if it has a garage space.
A decent garage door can add 1 – 4% to the value of your home according to a Stratamark study. This is because first impressions count for everything.
With our clients having a garage is an important crieria, but definitely not as important as A/C.
.-= Matt@Atlanta Metro Homes´s last blog ..The Perfect Storm for Home-Buyers =-.
I have had sellers eliminate purchasing a home based on the lack of a garage.
.-= Bruce Dietz´s last blog ..Fantastic townhome in great West Augusta location =-.
People have a tendency to buy homes with garages but in some cases it may get beyond the budget of a person so it may result in the loss too.But more people are for garages.
.-= reverse phone search´s last blog ..Reverse Phone Lookup in USA =-.
We find in Moraira in Spain, clients are usually interested if a property has a garage. Many are Brits buying a holiday home. Some like to have a small car in Spain for them to use when they are over. The ability to lock and leave can be important to them
I was in Orange county visiting a friend last summer. Some of those older neighborhoods have garages so small, even if yo could fit a car in it there would be no way you could get out. They are funny to see, looks like a miniature garage.
These days a garage is a must have even if it is just for storage. The garage has even been elevated in prominence here in the Phoenix market by a local news show that did a once week segment on homeowners who have fixed up their garages. Personally, I wouldn’t buy a home without a garage.
.-= Gary Sattelberger´s last blog ..Phoenix Real Estate Inventory Report January 28, 2010 =-.
Garage area is very important. More home buyers prefer to have garage in their property rather than nothing to be kept for their cars and even serve as storage.
.-= Orem Utah Homes´s last blog ..Previewing February’s New Home Sales: The numbers declined! =-.
The extra space will be an additional attraction. Also, it is convenient for car owners. I think that we DO have a definitive answer and it’s YES, a garage does make homes more attractive.
.-= Commercial Plumber Chandler´s last undefined ..Response cached until Tue 20 @ 21:06 GMT (Refreshes in 23.97 Hours) =-.
I know that a garage was a MUST when I bought my home. I passed on a lot of nice places because they didn’t have a garage.
Maybe it’s just the areas that I’ve lived in within my lifetime, but I have always had a garage door. It’s definitely something that I would miss if I didn’t have. My current home has a double car garage door and a single car garage door side-by-side. Both are carriage house doors.
I agree with your “fourth criteria.” In today’s world, all garages should have automatic openers. It’s just convenient and safer (considering most openers have good speeds and you don’t have to get out of you car when you come home at night).
As for the fifth criteria, I don’t exactly agree with the notion that wood doors are out. I think cheap and old wood doors are out, but custom crafted carriage house doors are in. These types of doors also bring a lot of value to the curb appeal of your home.
As a real estate agent I’ve seen my clients have a preference for a garage. People like that garages can be used to shelter the car or for storage. For condos and condo townhouses people also prefer underground parking to outdoor parking. But underground parking lots needs to be safe of course.
I think that everybody would a house with a garage. This is a place where you can park your car and protect it from rain and snow and from other unpleasant events. Or if you do not have a car, the garage is a good place to put more things: cycling, wheels, tools, store for cans, a little home for dog.